Visualizing Environmental Science

Sarah Leen/NG Image Collection

12.0–16.0 MJ/m^2

16.1–20.0 MJ/m^2

20.1–24.0 MJ/m^2

0

0 150 300 kilometers

150 300 miles

Based on data from the U.S. Department ofEnergy (DOE)

Critical and Creative Thinking Questions 465

What is happening

in this picture?

These hoses suck methane, which is used as
fuel, from decomposing trash in California.

Is this a renewable energy source? a form
of conservation? Explain.

What would be some advantages and
disadvantages of this type of energy
production?

✓✓THE PLANNER

10. Based on the map, is Nevada or Maine better suited for
    producing electricity from solar energy?


11. Which of the following do you think would be best for
    reducing transportation energy use in the United States:
    more efficient cars, fuel cell cars, or public transportation?
    Explain.

Critical and Creative Thinking Questions

1. Do you think that a vehicle fuel efficiency of 60 miles per gallon
   could be reasonably achieved at present? Explain your answer.


2. In response to the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, Japan is
   considering eliminating all of its nuclear power plants by


3. What combination of fossil fuels, renewable energy
   resources, efficient technologies and conservation measures
   could best achieve this?


4. Explain the following statement: Unlike fossil fuels, solar
   energy is not resource limited but is technology limited.


5. One advantage of the various forms of renewable energy,
   such as solar thermal and wind energy, is that they cause no
   net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Is this true for
   biomass? Why or why not?


6. Give an example of how one or more of the renewable
   energy sources discussed in this chapter could have a
   negative effect on each of these aspects of ecosystems: soil
   preservation, natural water flow, foods used by wild plant
   and animal populations, and preservation of the diversity of
   organisms found in an area.


7. Explain how energy conservation and efficiency are major
   “sources” of energy.


8. Evaluate which forms of energy, other than fossil fuels and
   nuclear power, have the greatest potential where you live.


9. Consider Figure 18.14, which shows dramatic
   improvements in the efficiency of refrigerators over
   time. Have there been similar improvements in other
   technologies? How much can we rely on technological
   improvements to reduce our energy demand if energy
   prices continue to rise?

Sustainable Citizen Question

9. List energy conservation measures you could adopt in
   each of the following aspects of your life: washing laundry,
   lighting, bathing, cooking, buying a car, and driving a car.
   The map below shows the average daily total of solar energy
   (on an annual basis) received on a solar collector that tilts to
   compensate for latitude.